In today’s modern education world, many students still feel that learning is a difficult, exhausting, and even ineffective process. They spend hours rereading notes or textbooks, yet still feel unprepared when facing exams. The main issue doesn’t lie in the students’ motivation, but in the learning strategies they use.

As a teacher with nearly two decades of experience, Allison Stone states that many students have never been taught how to learn effectively. This is not due to a lack of effort on the part of schools, but rather an assumption that students will eventually discover their own methods over time. Unfortunately, this assumption often leads students to become trapped in ineffective learning habits.

Methods like highlighting text or rereading notes may feel like studying. These activities create a sense of productivity, but research shows that these strategies are less effective in supporting long-term understanding. When learning outcomes don’t match the effort put in, students often conclude that studying is pointless or that they are simply not smart enough.

According to a report by The Learning Scientists, these two popular strategies (highlighting and rereading) only result in superficial understanding. Students might remember information for a short time but struggle to apply it in different contexts. Therefore, it is important for educators to teach evidence-based learning strategies that have been consistently proven to enhance academic performance.

Here are six techniques recommended by education experts and supported by cognitive research:

1. Retrieval Practice
   This technique emphasizes recalling information from memory. For example, students try to answer questions without looking at notes or explain concepts in their own words.
   According to a study by Roediger and Karpicke (2006), students who regularly practice retrieval perform better on exams than those who simply reread the material.
2. Spaced Practice
   Instead of cramming the night before an exam, spaced practice suggests distributing study sessions over longer and more regular intervals.
   A study by Cepeda et al. (2008) shows that spacing out learning sessions helps the brain retain information for longer.
3. Dual Coding
   This involves combining verbal information with visuals, such as diagrams, mind maps, or illustrations to represent text. This strengthens concept connections and boosts memory.
4. Elaboration
   This strategy involves explaining and expanding on material by connecting it with prior knowledge or personal experiences, deepening comprehension.
5. Interleaving
   Rather than focusing on a single topic continuously, interleaving involves switching between topics during study sessions. This helps students distinguish between concepts and improves cognitive flexibility.
6. Concrete Examples
   Using real-life examples to explain abstract ideas helps students understand and remember better. For instance, explaining scientific principles through everyday scenarios.

By incorporating strategies such as dual coding, retrieval practice, and elaboration into their study routines, students not only absorb information but also learn how to learn.

Many students assume that reading a textbook is similar to reading a novel. However, reading to learn requires deeper cognitive engagement, such as note-taking, asking reflective questions, or paraphrasing material. This is where teachers play a crucial role in modeling the difference between these types of reading.

One of the most common pitfalls is the “familiarity trap”: students feel they understand material just because they’ve seen or heard it before. But this is an illusion of understanding. When tested, they may fail to recall details or apply concepts.

To avoid this, teachers can provide cognitive engagement activities, such as concept matching exercises, creating their own questions, or explaining content to a peer.

When students fail an exam, it’s not just the result that matters, but their reflection process. Teachers can assist by asking students to evaluate their mistakes, identify the learning strategies used, and plan new approaches.

These activities go beyond simple evaluation—they encourage students to take ownership of their learning process.

Allison emphasizes that teaching learning strategies should not be a one-time lesson. These strategies need to be reviewed and reinforced regularly. Developing good learning habits is a long-term investment. Teachers are not just deliverers of content, but also equip students with tools to become lifelong learners.

More than just memorization, students are encouraged to become active participants in learning: asking questions, choosing suitable strategies, and evaluating the effectiveness of their methods.

In a constantly changing world, mastering school subjects alone isn’t enough. Students need learning skills that can be applied across contexts. By teaching science-based techniques like retrieval practice, spaced practice, and elaboration, teachers help students develop resilience, critical thinking strategies, and deep understanding.

This approach not only improves academic outcomes but also prepares students for broader life challenges. With proper guidance, students can learn more effectively—not longer, but smarter.

If you are a teacher, parent, or student yourself, now is the time to reassess the learning methods you use. Are the strategies you’ve relied on truly effective? Or do they just feel productive without real results?

Learning is an active process. And with the help of science, we can ensure it becomes a smarter and more meaningful journey.